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Computer science is becoming increasingly prevalent in second-level education on the island of Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the new dual route GCSE qualification offers a Digital Development (programming) pathway into computer science, while at Advanced level the uptake of Software Systems Development is growing annually. In the Republic of Ireland, an optional ‘short course’ on Coding is available in the Junior Cycle, and a Computer Science course is planned for introduction at Leaving Certificate level in September 2018. Moreover it is argued that so-called Computational Thinking should be introduced across the curriculum, since this has become an important aspect of all disciplines. However, as in many countries, limited consideration has been given to upskilling teachers in Irish schools.

An action research approach in two cycles was undertaken, using mixed methods data collection including two pre and post surveys, a focus group and postings from the online community. The first survey measured confidence in programming and the second ‘grit’. Posts in the online community were analysed to triangulate the survey results. An exhibition of the products at the end of each cycle was the occasion for a focus group for joint reflection and evaluation.

Still not sure about this - can we step through this together later on?

(This is where I need a few minute to talk Code Week - I’m making a little Scratch slide for that purpose, so it can be used to showcase some element of Scratch also).

4.
D To build lasting
professional relationships
between educators from
the north and south of
Ireland
Objectives of the CTwins project
A To develop
new practical
exercises in
computational
thinking for the
professional
development of
educators
B To improve
confidence in
educators using
these exercises
with support
C To create and
disseminate this model of
peer and mentor support
for educators packaged in
a toolkit ready for other
CPD providers to use
4

6.
Make a plan
Find your twin and
get creative
Online community
for support when
you need it
Project launch
● Introductory “lecture”, introducing Scratch and suggesting
possible artefacts to be designed….
○ First cycle: aiming for adult aesthetic outcomes as a
strategy for personal engagement
○ Second cycle: recognising that professional matters
are also appealing
● Then twins work together...
6

7.
scratch.mit.edu
A Register with
Scratch
B Create
this program
C Review and
share it in Scratch
AND with your
twin via Edmodo
D Plan, by
reading your
twin’s shared
project and
discussing
E Act: Remix
your twins project
and do more!
7

8.
Act
Review
Plan
1. Read your twin’s
review
2. Run the project to
see what it does
3. Look at the program
4. Point out features
that work well
5. Ask questions
6. Agree the next step
7. Remix the project
8. Share your remix
9. Do the next step
10. Stop!
11. How good was your
remix?
12. What did you actually
do?
13. How did it work?
14. What do you feel?
15. Hand over to your twin
Each week, taking turns
8

9.
1. Read your twin’s notesPlan
Their review should be
in the ‘Notes and
Credits’ section on the
Scratch project page.
Your twin should send you the
URL for their Scratch project -
use the URL to have a look.
9

10.
2. Run the project and look at the program codePlan
Click the
green flag to
run the
project.
10
Click the ‘See
inside’ button to
view the program
code, sprites and
costumes

11.
3. Point out features that work wellPlan
Send a message to your twin in
Edmodo with the things you like
about their work and the things
that worked well.
4. Ask questions
Ask questions in Edmodo,
inviting your twin to explain
anything you find unclear in their
work.
11

12.
5. Agree the next stepPlan
Consider what you’d like to do to take
the project to the next stage and
discuss in Edmodo with your Twin.
You could also seek advice from the
facilitator or an expert.
12

14.
7. Share your remixAct
Click the ‘Share’ button.
Then copy the URL of your
project and include it in a
message in Edmodo to your
twin.
Then they will be able to see
what you are doing and
help.
14

15.
8. Do the next stepAct
… or
making
new
sprites…
… or creating
new
costumes for
the sprites…
Start work
on adding to
or changing
the Scripts…
15

16.
9. Stop!Act
Knowing when to
stop is a critical
disposition - it is
possible to keep on
polishing forever!
So set a time limit and
hand over.
16

17.
Review
Click on ‘See project page’ and add your review to
the ‘Notes and Credits’ - make notes against the
following headings:
11. How good was your
remix?
12. What did you actually
do?
13. How did it work?
14. What do you feel?
17
Hand over to your twin
Send a message in Edmodo to
your twin to say that it is their
turn!